6 questions to ask when planning your budget for comic con

Going to any comic con can be one of the greatest experiences of the year, decade or lifetime depending on what you do and who you meet. Whether you are headed to your first con or your 101st, there are some important ways to prioritize your spending, so that you do not blow your budget and you still get what you want.Do you like it? The only reason why you should purchase something at a comic con that you don’t like is because it is supporting something that you do like. Chances are if you are buying something that supports what you enjoy, you just don’t know that you like it yet. Aside from that confusion, you should only buy those things that bring you joy. Comic cons are all about spending a little more to get exactly what you have wanted for a long time. Can you get it signed? Comic cons are great places to get things autographed. Everyone from your favorite comic book artist to your favorite author to your favorite star may be on hand and ready to give you an autograph on something you buy at the comic con. You might be able to bring your own things from home, but remember for some of the artists, authors and actors, comic cons help supplement a meager income. Be sure to make a purchase if you are going to ask for an autograph – it may not be required, but it is good manners.Can you get it elsewhere? If the item you are looking at is readily available elsewhere, you are better off trying to find something a little more exclusive. Yes, that Batman statue is awesome; however, if it is between that and something you may never see again, get the thing that you may never see again. Spending your money on experiences and memories, especially if your favorite star is in the house, will be worth far more than picking up something that you could get from your local comic book shop.Is it created by a local or independent artist or author? Supporting your local economy is easy, especially if your con, like Salt Lake Comic Con, is organized by local people. You can take another step to supporting the local economy by seeking out the artists and authors that come from your local area. If you do not find anyone from your local area, you are still sure to find some people who are independent. Supporting the independent artists and authors allows them to keep creating. That makes the world better, and you will wind up with something pretty amazing.Is it exclusive to the con? Con exclusive? Not available anywhere else? Yes, please.Do you collect it? Cons are great places to fill out your collection of just about anything. If this is your goal, then go for it. Some people collect autographs, some comics, some figures, you get the idea, and you know what you collect. Maybe it is time to expand your collection – find an experience that you can get involved with that is related to your collection. You’ll be surprised what a great comic con has to offer.